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Punxsy boys win two of three vs. Altoona, Brookville

PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsy eighth-grade boys' basketball team allowed a combined seven points during the first and fourth quarters while upsetting Altoona White last Wednesday at home, 31-25.

The Chucks (3-1) were ahead 20-13 at halftime before Altoona trimmed the lead to 24-22 entering the final frame. That's when the Chucks pulled away during a 7-3 final frame.

"This was a good team effort defensively," Punxsy head coach Glenn Good said. "There is room for improvement, but overall, it was a good defensive effort. We also rebounded well on both ends of the court."

"Offensively, while our scoring was spread out, we still need to increase our shooting percentage," Good said. "We get good looks, but don't finish. I can think of only a handful of times where guys didn't take a good shot."

The Chucks will be out of action until Wednesday, Jan. 5, when they host DuBois Central Catholic following the seventh-grade game's 4 p.m. start.

Altoona White 51, Punxsy ninth-graders 43

PUNXSUTAWNEY — Altoona's 18-2 second quarter carried into a 51-43 victory over the Punxsy ninth-grade boys' basketball team last Wednesday in Punxsutawney.

The Chucks, who suffered their first loss this season, were out to a 17-10 first-quarter start when Altoona bounced back to score 18 second-quarter points and allow just two.

Altoona turned its 28-19 halftime lead into a 44-29 advantage entering the fourth quarter. The Chucks scored 14 of the game's final 21 points, but still lost by eight.

Brandon Mancuso had a huge game, scoring 22 points for the Chucks.

Punxsy won't return to the court until Wednesday, Jan. 5, when it takes on DuBois Central Catholic at 4:15 p.m. at home.

Punxsy seventh-graders 38, Brookville 19

BROOKVILLE — Once the Punxsy seventh-grade boys' basketball team caught its composure, it wasn't going to be stopped by Brookville Dec. 17 on the road.

The Chucks were behind 9-8 after one quarter before outscoring the Raiders 29-11 for the rest of the game during a 38-19 triumph.

Punxsy jumped ahead 16-11 by halftime thanks to an 8-2 second quarter, and the lead only improved after a 15-6 third quarter and a 7-2 fourth frame.

Punxsy forced 12 turnovers and committed just three during the game.

"Again, the team continued to improve overall, especially in rebounds, running the offense and details of plays," Punxsy coach Darren Sherry said. "We have received excellent consistent overall play from Braxton Giavedoni in every game, and all the big men did a great job rebounding."

John Mathews scored a game-high 18 points for the Chucks, and Brandon Douthit followed with 12 points during the victory.